Power of each speaker

[rich m]

Hi guys. Lots of great advice on this site.

I was just wondering how the power of the fronts, centre and rears should relate to eachother? I guess it will be ok that the rears will be less powerful than the fronts, but should the fronts and centre be of a similar power rating? Or if the fronts are more powerful than the centre, will it just be a case of making adjustments on the amp?

[rich m]

I'd be really grateful for anyone's opinions.

To simplify the question, does it matter if the fronts in a 5.1 setup are more powerful than the centre or is it better to try and have them at a similar rating?

[Nobber22]

Forget the power ratings and concentrate on getting a matching set of fronts and centre from the same manufacturer. Tone is much more important than power ratings.

What amp do you use at present?
What's your budget?
Anything you have your eye on?

[phil t]

If the question is to do with power handling, then it doesn’t really matter as long the amp isn’t underpowered and pushed too hard or hugely overpowered and pushed too hard. If the question is about sensitivity, then having them as close as possible would be ideal, but as long as each channel can be independently set up (and the amp is up to the job) it shouldn’t be a problem. Remember that a difference of 3 db will require twice as much power for comparable volume levels (standing by to be corrected).

[rich m]

Thanks for the responses.

I currently have a JM Lab Focal Chorus CC70s centre which i'm very happy with. I've just picked up a couple of pairs of bargain 2nd hand Acoustic Energy speakers (some Evo Ones and some AE300s). I know most people say not to mix fronts and centre, but i'm going to try them and see what they sound like. The main question was because the centre speaker is rated at 90w. The Evos are 120w and the AESprits are 150w, but slightly less sensitive. I guess it will be a case of seiing which sound best.

My amp is a JVC RX-E5S. I'm sure this is not a fantastic amp, but it has always suited my needs perfectly and i've always been pleased with it. I've never had a lot of cash to splash, so all my gear is either budget new or 2nd hand.